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Learn to Listen

Just talking to your child is only half the job. You can keep the lines of communication open by knowing how to listen and when to talk. Your teen will tell you about the sights and sounds that influence him or her every day. They are the experts about fashion, music, TV, and movies that people their age follow.

Ask your teen what music groups are popular and what their songs are about, what his friends like to do after school, what’s cool and what’s not and why. Encourage your teen with phrases such as: “That’s interesting” or “I didn’t know that” and by asking follow-up questions.

Try these tips:
Encourage your children to feel comfortable telling you about problems they may be having and asking you for help.
You might try rephrasing your teen’s comments to indicate that you have understood or give nonverbal support and encouragement by nodding and smiling.
Use a caring tone of voice to answer your teen and use encouraging phrases to express interest and to keep the conversation going.
Source: The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign's Behavior Change Expert Panel

Read more on this topic: Starting Difficult Conversations

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Last modified: 06/01/10
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